Eggs For a Better Life

Who doesn’t love eggs? Well, even if someone don’t they have certainly heard of eggs? Let’s start with that. We have all heard, seen, some of us have tasted it in various shapes and forms. Eggs! It is also used as metaphors in literature sometimes. Some communities, both ethnic and religious, attach religious or ideological beliefs to it. Considered to be an easily available and inexpensive food for the masses, eggs are eaten everywhere. But so much is still a bit vague for people who are not in egg production. On this egg day, let’s learn a little more about this amazing super food.

World Egg Day. Image credits: Adda247

“A box without hinges, key, or lid,

Yet golden treasure inside is hid.”

• J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

Egg is one of the most recognizable food items across the world. Doesn’t matter if it is scrambled, stuffed, cooked in gravy, an assortment of different omelets, or just simply boiled; everyone recognizes it right away. It is also one of the most nutritious food sources in the world and is considered to be a super food of the masses. It has been scientifically proven that eggs contain various essential nutrients like protein, vitamin A, vitamin B5, calcium, Zinc, Vitamin D, Selenium and many more. A single boiled egg contains over 6 grams of protein. In fact, eggs are frequently used as a standard to measure the protein content of other food items because at over 93% protein, eggs top every other food items available to us. It has many other health benefits such as:

• It is low on cholesterol

• It contains choline that is essential in the composition of cell membrane

• It also contains Omega-3 fatty acids that reduces the risk of heart diseases

• It also has Lutein and Zeaxanthin, which are good for our eyesight

• It reduces the chances of stroke

Long story short; it is good for your health. This brings us to the next benefit: environment. Of all the animal based protein sources produced by mankind, egg production has the lowest footprint that is comparable to plant based protein sources. Environmentally sustainable egg production is surprisingly affordable. Although poultry farming has its own dark secrets like the impact laying eggs has on the poultry. But with better knowledge and inexpensive options, egg production has changed drastically over the years. This has also given rise to organic egg production where the poultry is allowed to grow naturally.

“Probably one of the most private things in the world is an egg before it is broken.”

• M.F.K. Fisher, American writer

The Hindi word for egg is ‘anda,’ which comes from Sanskrit. Hindu mythology is replete with instances of metaphorical association with it. Some of the earliest texts introduce this concept with egg as one of the first elements in the cosmic origin. ‘Brahman,’ the universe, is linked to egg when it is referred to as ‘Brahmanda’ – The Cosmic egg. However, apart from metaphysical comparisons, its importance or usage in Hindu religious rituals is non-existent. It is no secret that India houses the most vegetarians than anywhere else on earth. The people mostly consume milk and milk products like paneer. However, many of these people have no problem with eggs. In fact, in the last few decades, consumption of eggs has skyrocketed in India. Take a walk down any street in any corner of the country and you will see at least one street vendor selling eggs by the cartons.

India is the third largest producer of eggs in the world, just behind U.S. and China. In 2021, India produced more than 122 billion eggs. Compare this with the 16 billion produced in 1986. So, within 4 decades, the number has grown by almost 8 folds. The only way to explain this quantum growth could be due to the rising population of the country but the fact is that eggs are now consumed by almost everyone. When talking about state wise breakdown of egg production, Andhra Pradesh tops the list with over 21 billion eggs. Tamil Nadu comes second, producing more than 20 billion eggs and Telangana secures the third spot with over 16 billion. The total value of the Indian poultry industry stands at a whopping Rs. 1,708 billion.

Apart from the large population, the growth of the industry can be attributed to the fact that more people are getting into poultry faming and egg production these days. It plays a significant role in generating income, especially in rural areas. Many women in rural India also engage in egg production to earn a livelihood and also to be financially independent. Emergence of scientific farming practices and state-of-the-art technological intervention have inspired many more people to take the leap of fate. Coupled with a robust supply chain and increase in demands, the industry is expected to grow further in the future. Additionally, a rise in poultry farms has also sprung an industry of expert veterinarians, which also has a positive impact on the health of the poultry.

“The present was an egg laid by the past that had the future inside its shell.”

• Zora Neal Hurston

World egg day is celebrated on the second Friday of October every year. It was launched in Vienna in 1996, to create awareness among the masses about this super food. As per the International Egg Commission’s 2022 industry toolkit – “This year’s World Egg Day theme ‘Eggs for a better life’ celebrates the incredible egg’s power to support not just human health outcomes, but planetary health and people’s livelihoods too!”

A range of social media graphics and posts have been made available by the commission on their website, along with various ideas to promote World Egg Day. Celebration ideas include: egg theatre festivals, virtual music festivals, egg expert webinars, Tiktok dance challenges, exclusive egg cookbook, and egg-based culinary competitions.

We already know the nutritious value of eggs. So, on this World Egg Day let us also do our part to raise awareness about the benefits of egg. As the legendary Indian television commercial advises: “Sunday ho yaa Monday, roz khao andey.” (Sunday or Monday, have eggs everyday)